FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

(WASHINGTON, DC— June 16, 2005) For the third year, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) will award $20,000 in scholarships for young people (ages 8-18) to learn and expand their knowledge of Italian language and culture this summer at Lago del Bosco, the Italian Language Village immersion camp in northern Minnesota. In addition, a $10,000 NIAF cultural grant aided Concordia Language Villages in the creation and development of the curriculum for the camp. To learn more about the camp and apply for a scholarship, go to www.niaf.org/concordia

Lago del Bosco was launched in July 2003 and hosted 117 participants, ages 8 to 18, from 22 states. This summer, Lago del Bosco will be offering programs for two separate age groups: August 8 – 20 for ages 13 to 18 and July 25 – August 6 for ages 8 to 14. Lago del Bosco will also offer a four-week high school credit session (July 25- August 20). The high school credit sessions offers at least 180 hours of instruction and is designed for learners at all levels.

Lago del Bosco is the only Italian language and culture immersion camp in the U.S. Concordia has been educating young people in languages such as Chinese, French, German, Spanish and Russian since 1961. The culturally authentic camp atmosphere at Lago del Bosco will help young people learn about all aspects of Italian life, history and culture. Participants will speak Italian over breakfast, lunch and dinner and will also learn about Italian music, dance, art, cuisine and sports. The students will leave with a better understanding of the Italian language and culture and a greater appreciation of our global community. To download a video about Concordia Language Villages, visitwww.ConcordiaLanguageVillages.org or for information call (218) 299-4544.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC and dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Learn more about our youth programs by visiting www.niaf.org